Chef John's Shrimp Toast

These crispy shrimp toasts made with a savory paste of shrimp, water chestnuts, garlic, and ginger make a fantastic appetizer for a cocktail party.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 mins
• Total Time: 24 mins
• Calories: 212 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 anchovy filet
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
• 4 thick slices white bread
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon white sugar
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 0.5 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.25 cup diced water chestnuts
• 0.5 cup finely sliced green onions, plus more for garnish if desired

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place shrimp, water chestnuts, cilantro leaves, green onions, garlic, grated ginger, anchovy filet, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, egg white, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times; scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until mixture is well blended and reaches a paste consistency, 1 or 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to blend the flavors, about 1 hour.

Step 2

Very lightly toast bread slices. Trim crusts from bread. Spread shrimp paste onto bread in an equal thickness as the bread. Cut slices in half and then diagonally into diamond shapes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 3

Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat; pour in about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil. When oil is hot, add bread slices, paste-side down, and fry until crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot or warm garnished with additional sliced green onions.